Megadeth - So Far So Good So What - USA release 12" LP vinyl

This is the USA release of "So Far, So Good... So What!" the third studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released by Capitol Records in 1988. It is the band's only album recorded with Chuck Behler and Jeff Young, who were fired immediately after the subsequent tour.   

 

High Resolution Photo Megadeth So Far So Good So What ( USA Release ) Vinyl Record

Album Description:

On the 19th of January 1988, American heavy metal band Megadeth unleashed their third studio album upon the world, titled "So Far, So Good... So What!" This iconic album, released as a 12" LP vinyl in the USA, marked a crucial point in the band's history. In this page, we'll delve into the making of this album, its significance in the world of heavy metal, and the departure of Chuck Behler and Jeff Young, who played key roles in its creation.

The Making of "So Far, So Good... So What!":

Produced by Dave Mustaine and Paul Lani, with Tim Carr serving as the executive producer, "So Far, So Good... So What!" was a sonic masterpiece that showcased Megadeth's relentless energy and virtuosity. Michael Wagener and Paul Lani shared production and sound engineering duties, with Stephen Marcussen handling the mastering and Matt Freeman working as a sound engineer.

Released under Capitol Records, this album cemented Megadeth's reputation as one of the leading forces in the heavy metal scene of the late '80s. Let's take a closer look at some of the key tracks and elements that make this album a timeless classic.

1. "Into the Lungs of Hell" - The album kicks off with this instrumental track, setting the stage with ominous, atmospheric guitar work that foreshadows the intense experience to come.

2. "Set the World Afire" - A furious assault of riffs and lyrics reflecting on the threat of nuclear war, this track encapsulates the socio-political themes often found in Megadeth's music.

3. "Anarchy in the U.K". - A cover of the Sex Pistols' punk classic, Megadeth's version adds a heavy metal twist while maintaining the rebellious spirit of the original.

4. "In My Darkest Hour" - A haunting ballad that showcases Dave Mustaine's songwriting depth, this track remains one of the band's most beloved compositions.

5. "Liar" - A blistering indictment of deceit and betrayal, "Liar" exemplifies Megadeth's unapologetic and confrontational style.

6. "Hook in Mouth" - Closing the album with a bang, this track tackles the controversial subject of censorship and the limitations placed on artists.

Departure of Chuck Behler and Jeff Young:

Chuck Behler (drums) and Jeff Young (guitar) played significant roles in the creation of "So Far, So Good... So What!" However, their tenure with Megadeth was short-lived. The duo was let go from the band immediately after the subsequent tour.

The reasons for their departure were primarily related to creative differences and tensions within the band. Dave Mustaine, the driving force behind Megadeth, was known for his uncompromising vision. These differences in musical direction and personal dynamics ultimately led to the decision to part ways with Behler and Young.

Music Genre:

  Thrash Metal  

Album Production Information:

 The album: "MEGADETH - So Far So Good So What" was produced by: Dave Mustaine and Paul Lani

Tim Carr - Executive Producer

Michael Wagener - Producer, Mix Engineer

Paul Lani - Producer, Sound Engineer

Stephen Marcussen - Mastering Engineer

Matt Freeman - Sound Engineer

Record Label Information:

  Capitol Records C1-48148  
Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Megadeth and photos of the Megadeth's band members.

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Record  
Year & Country:  1988 Made in USA
Band Members and Musicians on: Megadeth So Far So Good So What
    Megadeth Band/Musicians are
  • Chuck Behler

      Charles Conrad "Chuck" Behler an American musician best known for his work as a drummer in the heavy metal band Megadeth. He was born on May 13, 1965, in the United States and started playing drums at a young age. Behler joined Megadeth in 1987 and performed on their third studio album "So Far, So Good... So What!" and the subsequent tour.

    B ehler's drumming style is characterized by his speed, precision, and technical prowess. He often used double bass drumming and intricate fills to drive the band's aggressive sound. Behler's contributions to "So Far, So Good... So What!" helped to solidify Megadeth's reputation as one of the most musically talented bands in the metal scene.

     After his tenure with Megadeth, Behler continued to work in the music industry. He performed with other bands, such as Doug Marks' Metal Method and Altitudes & Attitude, a side project featuring Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Anthrax bassist Frank Bello. Behler also worked as a session musician and producer.

     Behler's legacy in the heavy metal scene is cemented by his contributions to one of Megadeth's most iconic albums. His technical skill and powerful drumming style continue to influence and inspire drummers around the world. Despite not being as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Behler remains an important figure in the history of heavy metal music.

  • Dave Ellefson
  •   Dave Ellefson ( full-name: David Warren Ellefson ) a highly respected and accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the world of heavy metal music. As a bassist, songwriter, and founding member of the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth, Ellefson has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless musicians and fans alike.

     Born in Jackson, Minnesota in 1964, Ellefson began playing bass at the age of 11. He was heavily influenced by hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Kiss, and Judas Priest, and began playing in local bands during his teenage years. In the early 1980s, Ellefson moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, and it was there that he met guitarist Dave Mustaine, who was forming a new band after being fired from Metallica.

     Ellefson and Mustaine formed Megadeth in 1983, and the band quickly established itself as a major force in the thrash metal scene. Ellefson's aggressive, intricate bass lines and tight rhythmic sense helped define the band's sound, and his songwriting contributions were crucial to the success of many of the band's most iconic songs, including "Peace Sells," "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due," and "In My Darkest Hour."

     Throughout Megadeth's early years, Ellefson and Mustaine were the band's driving creative force, with Ellefson playing a key role in the songwriting and production of the band's early albums. However, in 2002, Ellefson left the band following a falling out with Mustaine. He went on to form several other musical projects, including the band F5 and the group Temple of Brutality, and also pursued a career as a solo artist and producer.

     In 2010, Ellefson rejoined Megadeth, and has remained a vital part of the band ever since. In addition to his work with Megadeth, Ellefson has continued to pursue a wide range of musical projects, including collaborations with other artists and his own solo work. He is also an accomplished author, having published a memoir entitled "My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock and Roll" in 2013.

     In addition to his contributions to the world of heavy metal music, Ellefson is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and music therapy. He has established several charitable organizations, including the Ellefson Youth Music Foundation, which provides music education programs for children and young adults.

  • Jeff Young - Guitars
  • Jeffrey "Jeff" Young an American Guitar player born in 1962 Ann Arbor, Michigan. He started his musical career as a guitar teacher and replaced his student ( Jay Reynolds / Chris Poland ) in the American Thrash Metal band "Megadeth" , with whom he recorded the album "So Far, So Good... So What!."."

  • Dave Mustaine

    Dave Mustaine  ( full-name: David Scott Mustaine ) born 1961 in La Mesa, California. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth, which was formed in 1983. Mustaine is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the thrash metal genre and is considered a pioneer of the American thrash metal scene.

     Mustaine was originally a member of the band Metallica, but he was eventually fired from the band due to personal and musical differences. He went on to form Megadeth, which became one of the "big four" of the thrash metal genre along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

     Throughout his career, Mustaine has been recognized for his musical abilities and innovative style, and he has been awarded numerous accolades and awards, including several Grammy nominations. He is known for his fast and complex guitar playing, as well as his powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting.

     In addition to his work with Megadeth, Mustaine has been involved in various other musical projects and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. He is also a published author and has been involved in various business ventures and charitable causes throughout his career.

Track Listing of: Megadeth So Far So Good So What

The Song/tracks on "Megadeth So Far So Good So What " are

    Side One:
  1. Into the Lungs of hell
  2. Set the World afire
  3. Anarchy in the U.K:
  4. Mary Jane
    Side Two:
  1. 502
  2. In my Darkest Hour
  3. Liar
  4. Hook in the Mouth
Album cover photos of : Megadeth So Far So Good So What
Photo of Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo Megadeth So Far So Good So What ( USA Release ) Vinyl Record  
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo Megadeth So Far So Good So What ( USA Release ) Vinyl Record  
Photo of Album's Inner Cover  
High Resolution Photo Megadeth So Far So Good So What ( USA Release ) Vinyl Record  
Close-up Photo of Record Label 
High Resolution Photo Megadeth So Far So Good So What ( USA Release ) Vinyl Record  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

 

Index of MEGADETH Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

Band Description:

  Megadeth is a thrash metal band that was formed in 1983 by Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson after Mustaine was fired from Metallica. The band has released over 15 studio albums, selling over 50 million records worldwide. Megadeth is considered to be one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

  History

  After being fired from Metallica in 1983, Dave Mustaine returned to Los Angeles and formed Megadeth with David Ellefson, Greg Handevidt, and Dijon Carruthers. The band's first album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!", was released in 1985 and showcased the band's aggressive thrash metal sound. However, the band's early years were marked by numerous lineup changes, with Mustaine being the only constant member.

  Megadeth's breakthrough album, "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?", was released in 1986 and featured the hit single "Peace Sells". The album's political lyrics and heavy sound appealed to a growing audience of thrash metal fans, and it established Megadeth as a major force in the genre. The band's next two albums, "So Far, So Good... So What!" and "Rust in Peace", continued to cement their reputation as one of the top thrash metal bands.

  In the early 1990s, Megadeth's popularity began to wane, and the band struggled with substance abuse and internal conflicts. However, they rebounded with the release of "Countdown to Extinction" in 1992, which became their most commercially successful album to date. The album's more accessible sound and lyrics appealed to a wider audience, and it earned Megadeth a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.

  Over the next two decades, Megadeth continued to release albums and tour extensively, maintaining their status as one of the top thrash metal bands in the world. They have faced numerous lineup changes, with Mustaine remaining the only consistent member throughout the band's history. In 2020, the band released their 16th studio album, "Dystopia", which received critical acclaim and earned the band their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

  Musical Style

  Megadeth's musical style is characterized by fast, aggressive guitar riffs, complex song structures, and politically charged lyrics. Dave Mustaine's distinctive guitar playing style, which emphasizes intricate solos and rapid-fire picking, has influenced countless heavy metal guitarists. The band's sound is heavily influenced by classical music, with many of their songs featuring complex arrangements and multiple movements.

  Lyrically, Megadeth often tackles political and social issues, including war, government corruption, and environmentalism. Many of their songs also address personal struggles, such as addiction and mental illness. Mustaine's lyrics are often introspective and vulnerable, and they have resonated with a generation of heavy metal fans.

  Impact

  Megadeth's impact on the world of heavy metal cannot be overstated. Along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, they are considered to be one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, and they have inspired countless heavy metal bands over the past three decades. Their aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics have influenced the development of numerous sub-genres of heavy metal, including death metal, black metal, and progressive metal.